TTK, in collaboration with PTV-Transport Consult GmbH (PTV), has investigated the extension of the planned Aachen–Baesweiler Regiotram to Übach-Palenberg station. The study, which has now been completed, found that closing this gap in the regional rail network is technically, operationally and economically feasible. Three alternatives were examined – all with the aim of improving connections between the districts and establishing additional bus services as feeder routes.
In the two-stage study, all conceivable route options for an extension to Palenberg station were first identified and assessed. Then, TTK studied the basic structural feasibility of two planning scenarios and conclusively demonstrated their feasibility. As part of the transport demand assessment, the planning scenarios were compared against one another using various criteria; this was followed by a cost-benefit analysis based on the guidelines of the German Standardised Assessment to provide indications of potential eligibility for funding under the Municipal Transport Financing Act (GVFG).
In March 2026, the towns of Übach-Palenberg and Baesweiler decided to proceed with planning scenario 1, as recommended by TTK. This option offers the greatest benefits for the region:
· Direct, transfer-free connection between the town centres of Baesweiler and Übach-Palenberg and provision of services to the high-demand district of Boscheln
· 4,080 additional journeys per day on public transport
· Journey time: approx. 24 minutes between Baesweiler Nord and Übach-Palenberg station
· Investment costs including a 30% buffer: approx. €205 million
· Benefit-cost ratio: 1.56 – meaning the project is fundamentally eligible for funding
For further planning, the AVV, as the project initiator, intends to apply for funding under the STARK guideline (“Strengthening the dynamics of transformation and a new beginning in the mining regions”). As the extension to Übach-Palenberg cannot be realised until the Aachen–Baesweiler line has been completed, completion is not expected before 2040.
Image source : © AVV GmbH